Apparatus and method for processing fruit and the like
US4515275A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 30, 1982 |
| Grant date | May 7, 1985 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 30, 2002 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB07C5/3422
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Apparatus and method for processing fruit and the like, particularly for sorting as a function of variables including color, blemish, size and shape. The apparatus provides an illuminator for substantially uniformly illuminating a portion of the item being examined, and a signal detector array for generating a plurality of signals corresponding to respective different portions of the item being examined. The data signals corresponding to a given item are accumulated and then batch processed to determine sorting signals, while a next item is being examined and data signals for it are being accumulated. For blemish detection, the batch processing includes determination of differences between signals representing adjacent surface portions, and generation of blemish sorting signals as a function of such determined differences.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.